The project is designed to strengthen the downtown district while creating new opportunities for economic development, recreation and public gathering.
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The first stage of construction is underway to upgrade a downtown business plaza in the Aroostook County town of Madawaska.
The project is designed to strengthen the downtown district while creating new opportunities for economic development, recreation and public gathering.
The project encompasses the revitalization and development of the Midtown Shopping Plaza at 363 East Main St. For now, the project is being called the Madawaska Business Plaza.
The project has been a work-in-progress with the previous removal and remediation of dilapidated retail buildings, along with grant-funded site restoration. The site includes a shared parking area, public library, farmers market and surrounding buildings. The plan also calls for expanding a downtown recreational trail for multi-use access.
Downtown accessibility
The first phase, with an estimated $2.8 million price tag, includes construction of a new public parking area, improved pedestrian walkways and connections, new site lighting and a recreational trail connecting key downtown points.
The town said the improvements will enhance accessibility throughout the downtown area, create safer pedestrian connections, encourage outdoor recreation and improve the overall visitor experience. Phase 1 construction is anticipated to be completed later this year.
Primary funding comes from a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant.
Year-round opportunity
The second phase will turn a vacant and underused portion of the property into a community gathering place.
Planned improvements include demolition of an existing vacant building, construction of a makerspace building with public restrooms, expansion of an existing farmers market pavilion and additional pedestrian connections and site enhancements.
The goal is to provide space for local entrepreneurs, artisans, small businesses, farmers' markets, educational programming and community events; support year-round economic activity; and create an attractive public destination that serves both residents and visitors.
The town recently solicited competitive bids for the Phase 2 improvements.
The response from contractors demonstrated strong interest, but the bids received exceeded the funding currently available.
Phase 2 will be funded in part by a community project funding grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The town is pursuing additional funding opportunities to support construction.
Once additional funding is secured, the town anticipates beginning construction of the makerspace building and associated improvements in 2027, with the facility expected to be fully operational by spring 2028.
In 2023, the town received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to pay for public infrastructure needed to make the site and surrounding properties suitable for redevelopment.
In 2024, the town was awarded just over $2 million for the project in congressionally directed spending.
